Renaissance Faires: Huzzah!

Are your group travelers interested in turning back the clock 400 years? Might they imagine themselves a Lord or Lady from the Medieval times? Do you think they have a hankering for a turkey leg? If so, you might introduce them to the Renaissance Faire circuit!

These weekend gatherings are akin to a historical amusement park. Attendees will enjoy costumed entertainers aplenty, musical and theatrical acts, handmade crafts, period food and old-time dialect. Audience participation is highly encouraged.

Here are some key Renaissance Faire pointers for your travelers.

Food: Don't expect light fare and don't look for utensils. Renaissance Faire foods include famous giant turkey legs and bacon, steak or dessert on a stick. These scrumptious items must all be washed down via giant swigs from copper goblets. This is not the time to count calories or be concerned with 21st-century table etiquette.

Entertainment: Jousting events take center stage. Men on horseback ride directly at each other wielding (faux) spears. Comical performers, jugglers, musicians and dancers will also keep your travelers laughing all day long.

Children's Entertainment: Tell your travelers to bring the lads! Archery, hopscotch, period actors and decadent foods will keep them entertained for hours.

Crafts: The creative items on sale will put the work of your best Pinterest friend to shame. Renaissance apparel, swords and artwork make perfect souvenir items.

Audience Participation: While your group travelers do not have to dress the part, they may get hassled by the 16th-century characters if they do not. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the performers—speaking in period-specific dialect, of course.

One well-known faire kicks off its festivities in just a few days! The annual Arizona Renaissance Festival is being held February 10 through April 1, 2018, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays, Sundays and Presidents' Day Monday. This ideal group destination offers something for everyone. The festival is part amusement park, part 13-stage theater, part circus, part arts and crafts fair, part jousting tournament, part feast and 100 percent fun! If you're travelers are looking for a trip back in time, the Arizona Renaissance Festival has them covered. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Click here for more details.

These festivals are the perfect excursion for your fun-loving travelers. Click here to see a complete list of the Renaissance Faires in your area. Contact individual Faires for updated festival dates, if necessary.

Huzzah!

Written by Lisa Stickler, staff writer for Groups Today magazine. Her Renaissance Faire plans are falling into place ...